Floristic changes on the Kem-Ludy islands (Russian White Sea, 1962-2004)

Abramova L.A., Shipunov A.B.

Abramova L.A., Shipunov A.B. Changes of flora of Kem'-ludskij archipelago (1962-2004) // The materials of the White Sea Expedition of Moscow South-West High School. Vol. 5 [Electronic resourse]. 2005. Mode of access: http://herba.msu.ru/shipunov/belomor/english/2005/kmld.htm

[Full Russian text with figures]

The lists of flora of Kem-Ludy archipelago (Russian White Sea, near Arctic Circle) produced in years 1962 and 2001-2004 were investigated by different methods of data analysis.

The full species list contains 284 species. 27 islands were studied, four new islands were appeared due to the tectonic events. Main dynamic features of islands and island group's floras and of species areas were clarified. Most important factors are island square and openness (accessibility for winds). The close vicinity with species-rich island does not prevent the species disappearance. The presence of forest, ecotops formed by crowberry (Empetrum spp.) and Sphagnum-bogs are most stabilizing factors whereas riches of rocks play negative role in the floristic stability. Marine birds are most important biological factor for island flora maintenance. Many of effects depend on shoaling of channels between islands and probably on improvement of local climate.

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